Arizona to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Iowa

ConsArizona

• Extremely hot summers
• Traffic congestion in Phoenix
• Limited water resources
• High cost of living

ProsIowa

• Moderate summer temperatures
• Less traffic in Des Moines
• Abundant water supply
• Lower cost of living

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Iowa

• Cold and snowy winters
• Lack of mountain ranges
• Shorter outdoor season

Arizona

• Sunny and warm
• Desert landscapes
• Year-round outdoor activities

Pros of moving from Arizona to Iowa

• Say goodbye to extremely hot summers and hello to moderate summer temperatures
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion in Phoenix and moving to Iowa with less traffic in Des Moines
• Swap the limited water resources of Arizona for an abundant water supply in Iowa
• Get ready for a lower cost of living in Iowa

Cons of moving from Arizona to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunny and warm in Arizona to live with cold and snowy winters in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of desert landscapes and have to settle for the con of a lack of mountain ranges
• Time to bid farewell to year-round outdoor activities and get used to a shorter outdoor season in Iowa

Arizona vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Arizona to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Navajo Taco of Arizona for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Street Tacos, Iowa residents know they have tasty Grilled Pork Chops and Corn Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Cornbread of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro Café, and Barrio Café. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Amana Colonies, Zombie Burger, and Machine Shed Restaurant.

When comparing lifestyles, Iowa shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Iowa, compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Iowa.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Iowa

• The Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Revival architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Prairie Style and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and air conditioning, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and large backyards.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than Arizona.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Iowa is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
• Iowa housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Arizona's $430,827.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
• Rent in Iowa is 43.54% more affordable than in Arizona.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Iowa

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Iowa. Iowa gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 19 degrees colder than in Arizona.
• The average winter lows are 32 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 23 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 7% less than in Arizona
• The COLI in Iowa will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
• The state income tax in IA is 0.33-8.53% compared to 2.59-4.50% in AZ
• The affluence in Iowa is stable compared to moderate in Arizona
• The poverty level is manageable in Iowa compared to notable in Arizona
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Arizona and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Iowa

• Arizona tends to lean moderate and leans Republican in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as largely Republican with Democratic strongholds
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as Christian (Protestant and Catholic) and non-religious
• Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (Catholic and Evangelical) and non-religious

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Iowa

How Much Do Arizona to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,357 miles from Arizona to Iowa will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.